Approach Considerations

Traditionally, laboratory tests have rarely been used in the workup and diagnosis of otitis media with effusion (OME) unless another process is suspected. History taking and physical examination are sensitive and specific enough to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Obtaining cultures is not routine for this condition but is in tympanocentesis.

In rare cases, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is obtained to rule out bony destruction, or the complete blood cell (CBC) count is assessed to rule out active infection.

In acute otitis media (AOM) histologic studies of the temporal bone reveal vascular dilatation and hyperplasia, inflammation and metaplasia of the mucosa, gland formation, edema, and infiltration with a mononuclear cell population. These same findings may be present, to a lesser degree, in otitis media with effusion.

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Radiologic Studies

Plain radiography of the mastoid was once used effectively to screen for otitis media with effusion (OME), but this imaging study is now rarely used for this purpose, given the sensitivity of history and physical examination in helping diagnose the disease.

CT scanning

Computed tomography (CT) scanning is extremely sensitive and not needed for diagnosis. However, CT scanning is important in attempting to rule out potential complications of otitis media (eg, mastoiditis, sigmoid sinus thrombosis, erosion of bone with intracranial extension) or unusual lesions (eg, cholesteatoma). This imaging modality is particularly important in unilateral otitis media with effusion when a nasopharyngeal or eustachian tube mass must be ruled out.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly useful in the workup for soft-tissue masses that may be contributing to middle ear effusions (MEE) because of its superior ability to delineate borders within soft tissues and to help determine the extent of potential intracranial extension (often useful in nasopharyngeal masses). In addition, MRI and its closely associated variants magnetic resonance venography (MRV) and magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) demonstrate complications such as thrombosis of the intracranial sinuses very well. However, when intracranial extension is present, either from invasion from the nasopharynx or the temporal bone, CT scanning helps to define the bony anatomy more specifically and should be used in conjunction with MRI.

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Tympanometry

Tympanometry is perhaps the most useful of all tests in association with otitis media with effusion (OME). This test reveals a type B result in 43% of cases of otitis media with effusion and a type C result in 47% of cases.

Previously, compared with myringotomy, a type B tympanogram was an imperfect measure of otitis media with effusion, with 81% sensitivity and 74% specificity. Studies later than 2001 have shown a higher rate of sensitivity and specificity, both around 90%. This is likely because of improvements in the technology used.

This test is particularly useful in small children whose external auditory canals may be too small or too collapsible to permit adequate visualization of the tympanic membrane. However, in those younger than 7 months, tympanometry is unreliable because of excessive compliance of the external auditory canal. The 2003 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) evidence report states that tympanometry results in children older than 4 years are reliable.

Tympanometry is a cost-effective adjunct to physical examination. Several studies have compared this test with pneumatic otoscopy in terms of accuracy in detecting middle ear effusion when compared with the criterion standard of myringotomy. Nearly all studies show that pneumatic otoscopy is slightly more sensitive, at around 93%, but they differ on specificity, showing rates from 50% to 88%. Many of the conclusions in these protocols stated that the greatest use for tympanometry is in aiding the clinician in ruling out middle ear effusion (MEE) for what appears to be an immobile tympanic membrane on examination.

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Language Testing

Language testing has also been advocated in the clinical practice guidelines for children with hearing loss (pure tone average greater than 20 dB HL on comprehensive audiometric evaluation). Testing for language delays is important, because communication is integral to all aspects of human functioning. Young children with speech and language delays during the preschool years are at risk for continued communication problems and later delays in reading and writing.

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Tympanocentesis and Myringotomy

Tympanocentesis involves the aspiration of effusion from the middle ear. This procedure can be performed as an office procedure, even in small children, if necessary. Tympanocentesis can serve as both a therapeutic procedure and a diagnostic procedure.
[13] The therapy consists of the removal of a middle ear effusion (MEE) that can impair hearing or cause a sensation of aural fullness.

The criterion standard for documentation of a middle ear effusion is myringotomy, which has the advantage of increased exposure and better suctioning relative to tympanocentesis.
[14] The primary disadvantage is a larger incision with a greater, albeit small, chance of persistent perforation or otorrhea.

Erdivanli OC, Coskun ZO, Kazikdas KC, Demirci M. Prevalence of Otitis Media with Effusion among Primary School Children in Eastern Black Sea, in Turkey and the Effect of Smoking in the Development of Otitis Media with Effusion. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Mar. 64(1):17-21. [Medline]. [Full Text].

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Cerescan;RxRevu;Cliexa;Preacute Population Health Management;The Physicians Edge<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: The Physicians Edge, Cliexa<br/> Received stock from RxRevu; Received ownership interest from Cerescan for consulting; for: Rxblockchain;Bridge Health.

Acknowledgements

Gregory C Allen, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine